Planning a visit to Loire-Atlantique? Discover the 22 must-see things to do in the département!
What a great idea to come and visit Loire-Atlantique, located at the crossroads of two worlds, and rich in culture and varied landscapes. From the sea to the river, from forests to vineyards, from marshes to châteaux, from seaside resorts to shipyards, you’ll be seduced by the diversity of the landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed city atmosphere or prefer to discover the secrets of small villages with Breton or Vendée influences, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this charming department on the banks of the Loire.
Looking for the sea, greenery, Muscadet and little LUs? You’ve come to the right place! Discover all there is to do in Loire-Atlantique!
1. Nantes
Château des Ducs de Bretagne – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
You can’t visit the Loire-Atlantique region without stopping off in Nantes. Once the thousand-year-old capital of the Duchy of Brittany, Nantes is now a modern, dynamic city, both culturally and economically. If you start your Loire-Atlantique trip with a visit to Nantes, don’t miss out on a visit to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and in particular its ramparts, which are its main attraction. Continue your discovery of Nantes with a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes.
Visit the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral, before enjoying a drink in the old Bouffay district, followed by lunch on Place Royale. Pass through the Passage Pommeraye, then head to the former shipyard site, which has been completely rehabilitated into a quirky, cultural urban living space. Here, you can meet the famous elephant of the Machines de l’Ile, play basketball, zip-line and rollerblade, ride a sea monster on the carousel, or simply sit on a terrace and remake the world, before nibbling a bite in one of the themed restaurants.
For lovers of unusual discoveries, don’t hesitate to take part in the Voyage à Nantes tour, organized every year. Just follow the green line on the ground. This tour will take you to the city’s historical and cultural gems, but will also introduce you to ephemeral works of art, astonishing viewpoints and unsuspected treasures of Nantes’ heritage.
Then, for museum fans, don’t miss a visit to the Musée Jules-Verne, the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Art and, of course, the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery. And don’t forget to check out the latest shows and festivals. Nantes never ceases to surprise!
2. Trentemoult
Village alley – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Guy Banville
Located in the commune of Rezé, the village of Trentemoult promises a real change of scenery, just a few minutes by waterbus from downtown Nantes. This former fishing village has now become a friendly residential neighborhood, where each house rivals the others in inventiveness to show off its exterior, and where a real community has been created. Colorful walls, pretty gardens and trompe-l’œil will surprise you at every turn. A world apart and utterly relaxing, not to be missed!
3. Kayaking on the Loire
Kayaking on the Loire near Chinon and Saumur – Photo credit: Wikipedia – Daniel Jolivet
You can visit Loire-Atlantique from the water. It’s almost omnipresent: the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire, the Erdre and the Sèvre nantaise. Change your point of view and combine a sporting outing with a discovery of the surrounding area. This activity is available in several places, but doing it from Ancenis is a great way to discover the east of the département, which is less visited than the west.
4. Culinary specialities
A glass of Muscadet, to be enjoyed in moderation – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mariyana M
What to do in Loire-Atlantique? Eat and drink! Discovering a French department without tasting its specialities is a cruel lack of savoir vivre! Who hasn’t heard of Petits Beurre LU, galettes Saint-Michel or berlingots? Les rigolettes may be less famous, but they’re just as tasty – provided you like sugar and fruit purée!
If Muscadet is no longer needed to accompany your Nantais duck, you should be surprised by a Nantais curé crisp. Today, this raw-milk cheese is produced in Pornic. Last but not least, Nantais cake is a subtle blend of French pastry traditions and West Indian influences. The presence of the unusual ingredient rum is explained by Nantes’ role in the triangular trade of the 18th century.
5. A boat trip on the Erdre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Heliosphile
Boating is a great way to see the Loire-Atlantique region from a different angle and at a different pace. You don’t need to have a boating license; you can hire electric boats that are easy to handle. Freedom is yours!
Take time to enjoy the scenery, then moor up on one of the pontoons for a picnic on the banks of the Loire.
6. Le Gâvre forest
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Antaj7co
Want to recharge your batteries with a walk in the forest? The south of Loire-Atlantique may not be particularly green, but the north is much greener. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll find plenty to relax in this forest of almost 4,500 hectares.
7. Birdwatching at Lac de Grand Lieu
Photo credit: Wikipedia – elbymay
Europe’s largest lowland lake is a true haven of peace. With few visitors, it’s a pleasant and soothing way to visit the Loire-Atlantique region. It’s also a great place to observe the many birds that come to stay.
If this overflow of nature makes you dizzy, take advantage of your stay in Saint-Philbert de Grand-Lieu to visit the Deas Abbey.
8. A cycling session
Cyclists enjoying La Baule’s bike paths – Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pack-Shot
If you don’t know what to do in Loire-Atlantique to stretch your legs, there’s only one answer: cycling! A land of rivers and canals, Loire-Atlantique is an ideal destination for cycling along one of the thousand and one paths that run alongside the ocean, the Loire or its tributaries.
You can take on the Nantes-Brest canal, starting in Nort-sur-Erdre, or choose to cycle along the Loire, covering the hundred kilometers of the departmental section of the « Loire à vélo ». Looking for another challenge? The one hundred and forty kilometers of Vélocéan are just waiting for you! Link Saint-Nazaire to Piriac-sur-Mer, and discover some of the wonders of the département.
9. Guérande and its salt marshes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax
Guérande is without doubt one of the most beautiful historic towns in Loire-Atlantique. Immerse yourself in the picturesque world of this medieval town as you stroll along the « chemin de ronde », the last vestige of the historic walls of the Duchy of Brittany. From this vantage point, you can overlook the old town, before strolling through the streets of Guérande and admiring the elegant townhouses and sculpted pediments.
A visit to Guérande is also an opportunity to learn more about the salt marshes from which over 10,000 tons of salt are extracted every year! Visit the Musée des Marais Salants and get lost in the meandering salt marshes.
10. Brière Regional Nature Park
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Selbymay
Western Loire-Atlantique is a marshy region. As you leave the salt marshes of the Guérande peninsula, you’ll soon approach the Brière Regional Nature Park. The best way to discover the beauty of this natural site is by boat. You might even catch a glimpse of some wild birds!
11. The beaches
Aerial view of Lisbon’s castle and historic center – Photo credit: Shutterstock – sofifoto
What to do in Loire-Atlantique in summer? Swimming! This département is partly influenced by the sea. From lively seaside resorts to small, quiet beaches, there’s something for everyone. Tread the sands of the immense beach at La Baule-Pornichet and its seafront, or the wild beach at Saint-Brévin l’Océan.
Opt for more typical, intimate spots, such as the family beach at La Bernerie-en-Retz, Gohaud beach and its fisheries, or the small rocky coves of Pornic or Le Pouliguen. For sunsets, nothing beats the 360° beach at La Turballe.
12. Châteaubriant castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jane Rix
Located in the north of the département, some 60 km from Nantes, Châteaubriant is an architectural gem, combining medieval and Renaissance features. A visit here will delight adults and children alike.
13. Zoo de la Boissière or Planète Sauvage
One of the lions at Boissière Zoo – Photo credit: Flickr – Régis Leroy
Visiting the Loire-Atlantique region means doing so with the youngest among us in mind. Animal lovers be reassured! Loire-Atlantique boasts two sites that have nothing to envy France’s finest zoos and animal parks.
Come and see the birds flying at the Boissière du Doré zoo or the lions feeding. Do you dream of seeing wild animals in the wild? Planète Sauvage offers you the chance to get up close and personal with the species along a route that lets you stay out of your car, while watching the lions or tigers evolve in their environment.
14. Sand yachting on the beach at Saint-Brévin
Photo credit: Facebook – CBCV Club de char à voile de Saint Brevin
The beach at Saint-Brévin is the perfect place to try your hand at sand yachting. Particularly exposed to the wind, this area of the South Loire is perfect for this activity. You can also sail at Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef or La Fromentine.
15. Lunch at a beach restaurant in La Baule
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pack-Shot
It’s possible to have lunch with your feet (or almost) in the water! If you’re looking for peace and quiet and privacy, you’ll want to head for another beach, but for those of you looking for a place to eat while soaking up the sun and listening to the sound of the waves, you’ll be delighted. What could be more pleasant than enjoying a seafood dish just a few meters from the sea?
There’s no shortage of beach restaurants on Europe’s largest beach. You’ll find something to suit every budget and style.
16. Nantes vineyards
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Heliosphile
Visiting Loire-Atlantique means devoting at least one day to discovering the vineyards of the Nantes region. Muscadet is an integral part of the Loire region’s heritage. Whether you choose to venture out on foot, by bike or by car, don’t miss out on a tasting! In moderation, of course!
17. Clisson castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Svetlana Bondareva
After your Muscadet tasting, come and visit the medieval castle of Clisson. This 12th-century fortress on the banks of the Sèvre nantaise once served as a pillar in the defense of the Breton duchy against attacks from the Poitevin and Angevin duchies. The castle is not the only asset of this charming village in the Nantes vineyards. It’s also pleasant to lose yourself in its narrow streets.
18. Cruise ships in Saint-Nazaire
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Frederic Maillard 49
Would you like to learn more about the liners built by the Saint-Nazaire shipyards? Escal’Atlantic is the perfect opportunity to spend some fun, educational time with your family. With a mix of multimedia presentations, collectors’ items and real-life experiences, you’ll learn all you need to know about the unique world of transatlantic liners.
19. Character villages of the Guérande peninsula
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pack-Shot
Don’t leave Loire-Atlantique without getting a taste of Brittany by visiting the fishing villages of Piriac-sur-Mer or Mesquer.
Less picturesque, but more elegant, are Le Croisic and Batz-sur-Mer, with their fine 19th-century residences. While you’re in Le Croisic, take the opportunity to spend a few hours at the Océarium, to discover marine species from the four corners of the planet.
20. The Atlantic Wall at Batz-sur-Mer
Photo credit :Wikipedia – Andie 2A
Would you like to step back in time and discover the unique atmosphere of the Second World War? Come and visit the large Blockhaus at Batz-sur-Mer. A fun trail has been designed to help you discover this command post, part of the Third Reich‘s solid defensive system, better known as the Atlantic Wall.
Did you know that the Saint-Nazaire region was the last to be liberated in 1945?
21. Oudon castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – DdK_photographie
Situated on the banks of the Loire, this astonishing castle stands in the heart of the town of Oudon. The building bears witness to the strategic importance of the river over the centuries, particularly in terms of trade.
22. A boat trip
Sailboat leaving the port of Pornic Photo credit: Shutterstock – jennyt
For many, visiting the Loire-Atlantique region means enjoying its coastline. Noirmoutier, La Baule, Pornic and more. There’s no shortage of seaside resorts and coastal villages.
So it would be a shame not to rent a boat in Loire-Atlantique, and miss out on the enchantment of the ocean.
Find a boat to rent in Loire-Atlantique
How do I get to Loire-Atlantique?
The easiest way to get to Loire-Atlantique is probably to take the train from Paris. The journey takes between 2 hrs 10 min and 2 hrs 30 min. You’ll easily find a car rental agency near the station’s south exit.
If you prefer to drive, allow around 3 hrs 30 min to get from downtown Paris to Nantes. Once there. It will take you about an hour to get to La Baule and 1h15 to get to Châteaubriant. Don’t hesitate to carpool.
Where to stay in Loire-Atlantique?
The best place to visit Loire-Atlantique is Nantes. From here, you can easily criss-cross a large part of the department. It may be a good idea to spend a night in Trentemoult, on theIle-de-Nantes, in the Procé district or in the Jardin des Plantes district.
If you prefer the seaside, you can choose between a seaside resort such as La Baule or Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, or a smaller, less touristy town such as La Bernerie-en-Retz. Whatever your destination, using a hotel comparator will help you find the right offer at the best price.
Now you know what you can’t miss if you want to visit the Loire-Atlantique region in style!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Pays de la Loire